Saturday, March 28, 2009

Local Algorithm Showing within General Search

It looks like Google has rolled out an algorithm where a local algorithm is now being shown within general search terms. For instance, ever since the recent brand ranking algorithm was implemented in January the top 4 floral companies have seemingly appeared secure in their dominance for many general floral keywords like “flowers,” "flower delivery," “florist,” etc…

Fast forward to today, and it looks like Google is now attempted to aid mom & pop shops. Here is a search on the keyword "flowers:"

I live in California so it appears Google is reading my IP address and populating local results in apropos. However, if I click on “change location” above the local algorithm is removed and replaced with a field box with the option to enter a new location. So if I wanted to locate a particular Baltimore Florist or just look for funeral flowers in a particular area, I would change the field box to populate that areas florists. This is a different from the usual text in the upper right corner that says: "Customized based on recent search activity." In that circumstance, a simple refresh removes the customization. But this in not the case in the new algorithm, you actually have to physically click "change location."

Also, the local listings seem to be from areas *near* my IP address location but not directly *in* my IP address area. If Google could just perfect that element to populate truer local listings this algorithm will be a breakthrough in favor for the local florist.

10 comments:

Cathy R said...

Great catch, Mark! This is good news, especially right before the Easter and Mother's Day holidays. :)

David L said...

Very good information. Should make it easier for the consumer to find a real local florist. Thanks for posting.

Duane M said...

I concur with all of the above comments, this is great news for the little guys!

gia said...

fantastic news!! Little by little here we come :)

SEO Company said...

This seems good for all.

Benny said...

Not sure about what you post here. But, it's still informative. Thanks.

Regard,
Blog SEO

Multi location hosting said...

This will be very useful for local businesses that have a very specific targeted area.

Ray Fellers said...

Local search is the future as more and more businesses move online. Keyword research, on page and off page SEO are critical to online success for a business. I have the best answer for this on my blog at http://bestgooglekeywordtool.com

SEO Services UK said...

Really handy to have the local results come up now. Should definitely benefit florists and the like :)

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